While being environmentally conscious can be difficult, it is important to be mindful of the decisions we make that affect the planet. If your goal for this year is to reduce your environmental footprint, here are some tips for you. 

Environmentally Conscious Tip #1: Find creative ways to reuse your stuff: clothing, technology, furniture… 

Instead of throwing away your clothes or tech, try to find creative ways to repurpose or fix it. For clothing, you can maybe sew the fabric and upcycle it in a new way. 

As for technology, it is not necessary to get the next generation of tech just because it is new; try to hold on to your current technology as long as you can.

If you don’t like your wooden furniture, you can paint it a different color. 

Environmentally Conscious Tip #2: Consume and buy less

By consuming and buying less, this helps reduce the amount we will eventually have to throw out. We are able to focus on what we have. This step is all about making a mindful decision about what you are buying before buying it. 

Environmentally Conscious Tip #3: Seek out farmers markets and find food locally 

Sourcing your food locally is a great option to help local farmers and support them. According to Go Green, buying locally reduces food miles, protects the local land, and promotes fresher produce (Go Green, 2017).

Environmentally Conscious Tip #4: Rethink how you travel places 

Instead of driving, you can take the bus or ride a bike to that destination. While this may not be possible for everyone, it is all about being mindful and aware of various travel options. Here’s a list of fun alternative traveling options other than driving:

  • Biking 
  • Walking
  • Skateboarding
  • Rollerblading
  • Electric Scooter
  • Taking the bus 
  • Carpooling

Environmentally Conscious Tip #5: Reduce food waste

Reducing food waste helps to conserve more energy. Try to buy only the food you need. This will help reduce the amount of food waste you have. Another way to reduce food waste is to actively try to preserve the food you have. Finding different ways to preserve your food can help you reduce the amount of food that is thrown away. Here’s a list of food preservation methods:

  • Canning
  • Freezing
  • Dehydrating
  • Fermenting 

Environmentally Conscious Tip #6: Spend time out in nature!

Spending time out in nature can help you to become more mindful in your daily life. For me, experiencing the beautiful scenery and wildlife gives me that subtle reminder to be environmentally conscious. 

This video is from one of my dives. I got to experience swimming next to this sea turtle. It was an incredible experience. Sea turtles are listed on the endangered species list. It is moments like these where I recognize the impact I have on wildlife like this. These moments help me to become more environmentally conscious and aware of my surroundings and how I affect my planet. Check out my other article on What I Learned from Great Nature.

I hope these tips help you achieve your goal of sustainability for this year. If you have another tip on how to become more environmentally conscious, feel free to leave a comment down below.